1. The following ruling has been issued in response to an inquiry from the Department of Michigan:

2. The question: Is a former member who was discharged and subsequently plead guilty to embezzlement eligibility for reinstatement.

3. The Constitution states that anyone who has committed an
"infamous" or "heinous crime" is not eligibility for membership.

4. What constitutes "infamous and heinous crimes" is the crux of the matter. According to my dictionary
the law definition of infamous is "convicted of a crime, as treason or a felony, that brings infamy." To the
best of my knowledge, embezzlement is a felony in all jurisdictions within the United States. Based on
the definition of "infamous" the applicant is not eligible for reinstatement regardless if he has served his
sentence. He was convicted that ends his eligibility. There is no provision for an exception if any
sentence imposed by a court has been served.